KARENNGDANCE.COM

Born in Hong Kong, raised in New Zealand, based in NYC. A Jill of all trades, learning from an early age if she wanted something she had to go get it herself. Growing up in a small town, she would rally her friends to join in talent quests, convince her music teacher to enter Rockquest, Stage Challenge and take over as Choreographer for the school musical theater production.

Karen is fiery, bold and has learnt the ins and outs of creating, producing and making an idea come to life through sheer determination and surrounding herself with the fiercest mentors.

She currently resides in Brooklyn and leads a creative life via teaching, performing, associate producing and event organizing.

Beginning at the age of 4, Karen started Ballet at the Phyllis Smith School of Dance in Napier, NZ. Progressing quickly to pick up Jazz, Tap and compete in solo competitions, she was also mesmerized by music videos of legends such as Janet Jackson, MJ, Paula Abdul and watch old-timey musicals of Julie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. She entered and placed in various competitions and talent quests growing up, developing a love for creating and working to a deadline from an early age.

Moving to Auckland, she attended City Dance whilst studying at the University of Auckland and trained with Gandalf Archer whilst developing her own choreography. Shortly after she met Joel Gallarde and joined Company of University Dancers, choreographing, recruiting, auditioning, and training dancers for shows, battles and events. Their crew re-branded as Triple8Funk Dance Company, and progressed to producing several Hip Hop theater shows, winning a DANZ award, and performing for major NZ music festivals and events. T8F relocated to Australia and has members spread all over the world.

Upon moving to NYC to pursue her deepest wish of dancing and training with the greats, she enrolled at Broadway Dance Center to study Commercial Street Jazz and Hip Hop under Luam, Dana Foglia, Rhapsody, Brian Green and Jared Grimes. Connecting with other international dancers looking for the freestyle scene, she discovered Pop Shop with the Inhumanoids, House Dance at Funkbox Sullivan Room, along with Waacking & Voguing. She continued to pursue House, Waacking, Popping, and Voguing and currently continues to train in many styles with Cebo, Princess Lockerooo, LaJon Dantzler, Soraya Lundy, Danielle Polanco, and Archie Burnett, performing everywhere from underground nightlife events to indie theater, to music festivals and events.

Her most favorite performances have been at Pride Rally, Summerstage NYC, Lincoln Center Out of Doors and Kennedy Center in D.C.

Karen has taught in New Zealand for over 10 years, and in New York City for the past 5 years, from K1 through to adult drop in classes. Having taught a vast range of students in ability, her current schedule consists of dedicated private dance studios, school programs and adult drop in classes.

Acknowledging the vast differences in why people want to dance, classes are tailored the studios or individuals need - focusing on what style they wish to focus on, what their goal is (fitness, fun, performance, event) and drawing on decades of experience and various styles to craft an experience to match the student. Whether completely focused on presenting choreography or exploring movement through improvisation and solo storytelling, students can expect a challenging but fun experience learning how to dance.

Inspired by 70's Disco, Golden Era Hip Hop and classic TCM movies, Karen's style ranges from sexy fiery goddess to upbeat fun.Her choreography has been selected for various events for The Museum of the City of New York, Ladies of Hip Hop Showcase, Broadway Underground - The Remix, Leg Up On Life Showcase, and Dance Parade Showcase. For videos click on the image above.